Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with Southend marked MK Dons' fifth consecutive game without defeat in all competition. The match also saw Conor McGrandles make his first Sky Bet League One start of the season.

The 22-year-old replaced the suspended Ed Upson in midfield as the midfielder looked to break up play and maintain possession throughout his 85-minute stint.

Despite avoiding defeat, McGrandles feels the performance on the night wasn’t up to scratch.

“We didn’t start the game well enough," he said in his post-match interview.

"We didn’t play as well as we know we can so we’re happy to get the point. When you’re not playing that well you need to make sure you don’t get beat and take something from the game."

He added: “We had a chat at half-time and we knew we needed to pick it up. I felt we were better in the second-half but we can play much better than we did.”

After an impressive 30-minute substitute appearance against Charlton Athletic, McGrandles was handed a starting berth against Southend - the Scotsman knows he needs to take every chance that falls his way.

“I just need to take whatever chance I get. It’s been a while since I’ve played but I’ve been working hard in training to make sure that I’m ready when the chance comes.”

The midfielder concluded to preview Saturday’s trip to Doncaster Rovers - a game McGrandles feels MK Dons can use to put things right.

“We weren’t up to it [against Southend] and we need to put that right on Saturday against Doncaster.”